Tips to sell your home Archives - Page 3 of 5

5 Questions About Home Renovations You Always Wanted Answered

You’re thinking about doing a home renovation, but something is holding you back. A reno is a big job that requires a lot of time and money. You want to get it right. A mistake could be costly.

Maybe you’re hesitating because you feel uninformed. Want some help? Here are answers to common renovation questions that’ll help you make the right decision.

Which home renovations pay back the investment?

If you decide to sell your house, you hope that you’ll get a decent return on investment — ROI — for your home improvements. However, not all renovations are created equal. Some are more attractive to homebuyers, so sellers recoup more of those expenses. This isn’t the only reason to do a renovation, but it’s good information to have. Check out the 2016 renovation jobs that have the highest ROI, based on the national average:

Insulating the attic with fiberglass: almost 117 percent return
Replacing the bottom third of siding with manufactured stone veneer: almost 93 percent
Doing a minor kitchen remodel: about 83 percent
Replacing siding: 77 percent
Adding a wood deck: 75 percent

Prepare yourself. Some popular renovations don’t earn back as much on your investment:

Adding a bathroom: about 56 percent
Adding a master suite: just over 64 percent
Completing a major kitchen remodel: almost 65 percent
Doing a bathroom remodel: almost 66 percent
Adding a family room: almost 68 percent

If I have limited funds for a kitchen renovation, where can I cut back?

You imagine your dream kitchen… but it’s way out of your price range. Don’t be discouraged. You can cut costs and still create a functioning, beautiful kitchen. Just don’t go all-out on certain areas:

Kitchen cabinets: These are a major expense because they take up so much wall space. Custom-made cabinets cost tens of thousands of dollars. Sure, they’re beautiful, but standard cabinets are very attractive and much, much, much less expensive.

You also don’t need cabinets with fancy accessories. Purchase inserts, pullouts and organizers separately and install them. Skip the soft-close drawers and cabinets. If you’re looking to trim costs, the coolness factor doesn’t justify the outlay.

Sink: A standard stainless steel sink basin is all you really need… but get the faucet you really want. Its usefulness and appearance do make a difference.

Appliances: Most kitchens don’t require the best-of-the-best. Unless cooking is your profession — or passion — a mid-range refrigerator, stove and dishwasher will meet your needs.

Floor: Engineered cork and real linoleum tile are both reasonably priced and environmentally friendly. They’re also easy on the feet if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

What’s the best material for water pipes?

The most common residential pipe materials are steel, copper, PVC and PEX. If you’re doing renovations that require replacement, your best choices are:

PVC: This is suitable for drainpipes and toilets. It doesn’t rust, and it lasts 25 to 40 years. You can’t use PVC for sinks and tubs, though, because it can’t handle high temperatures.

PEX: This material is durable and heat-tolerant, which makes it a great option for incoming water lines. And bonus! It’s often color-coordinated: cold water pipes are blue, and hot are red.

If you weren’t planning on replacing piping but are taking out drywall, check on pipes anyway. You may discover something needs fixing. Repairs will be cheaper while the walls are already open.

Do I need a permit for my renovation?

The answer is an unqualified “maybe.” It all depends upon your local building codes, which are designed to ensure that work has been done safely. Professional contractors typically take care of the permit process, which involves filing paperwork, paying fees and allowing inspections. Check your contract to be sure permits are covered.

If you’re doing structural work yourself, contact the permit office of your municipality. Even if it’s a relatively small job, such as putting in a window or replacing a shower, you’ll need a permit. If you don’t get one, you might discover later that substandard work caused problems. When you try to sell the home, a prospective buyer probably won’t be able to get a loan. If you do manage to sell but problems crop up, you could be hit with a lawsuit.

What’s the first thing I should do after I’ve decided to do a renovation?

Ok, you’ve committed to remodeling the basement, redoing the kitchen, adding a bathroom… whatever. The first step: determine exactly what you want to accomplish with the project. Don’t contact a contractor while you’re still vague about the details. Check websites, go to showrooms, talk to friends, read remodeling magazines… gather a lot of information.

You probably already have a rough budget and timeline, or you wouldn’t be moving forward with the project. Decide what ideas you like best for your space. You can even make lists for changes that are “must-haves” and those that would just be really nice. This step also helps you refine your budget, so you’ll have a sense of what you can afford.

Renovations come with lots of questions. You might be asking them of contractors, workers, suppliers and loan officers. These five got you started. Now add to the list.

Author Bio:

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.” Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us.

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Improve Your Home Exterior for Better Street Appeal

June 28, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homehome improvementLeave a comment

The exterior of your house can say a lot about you and your home. If you have ever had just a thought of upgrading it, there is no need to procrastinate anymore. There are plenty of things you can do to make your home shine, and here are some of the basic ones:

Make an Entrance

Shabby old front doors never leave a good impression. You should consider replacing them with new, quality ones. Choose the front door made out of quality, strong wood for security and give it a fresh new coat of bold paint. The door with a statement will only tell your guests that you are serious about the design and security. Additionally, bold-looking front doors are an attractive contrast to the whole exterior of the house. You can also decorate the entrance with some greenery to complete the look and refresh your home.

Garage Door

Another easy way to improve the exterior of your house is by upgrading the garage door. You can either fix the old ones and give them a new color, or replace them. Appealing garage doors are another great contrast to the whole design and will immediately catch the eye of the observer. Never neglect any scratches and dents in the doors, do your best to make them look as good as new. Moreover, without any dents they will work perfectly, causing you less stress when coming back from work tired.

Clean the Gutters

If you think that the gutters and downspouts are not noticeable, you are right – provided they are in their best condition. Never let your gutters and downspouts develop any rust or mold. That does not only look bad, but it can cause more damage to your home. Askew and leaking downspouts are another reason to repair them or get new ones. Leave one weekend for fixing these two and never show your house if there are any problems with gutters. These seemingly minor issues will drive away potential buyers because they can cause many problems with house’s foundation in the future. Make sure they are squeaky clean, free of any clutter and perfectly aligned.

Façade Maintenance

Just like taking care of your skin, you should make time to take care of your house’s skin – the façade. If you have already fixed everything else, it might be time to take care of the dirty walls. Brick walls are easy to maintain since they are one of the most sustainable materials. You just need to high-pressure wash them and the house will completely transform. However, if you have extra protection in the form of architectural cladding you will have to be careful how you clean it. Vinyl and brick cladding systems require low-maintenance and you can also wash them with water, but other materials may require more frequent cleaning. Whichever is the case, make sure everything is in a top-notch condition and clean as a whistle. Additionally, if you think the façade needs additional work, you can always rely on some light colors to refresh it.

Attractive Windows

Another element that can make the difference in your curb appeal are the windows. If you believe they are working properly, meaning there is nothing loose or cracked, you can simply give them a new lively color. You might opt for the one that matches the front door. But if there are just hints of rot and weather damages, consider replacing them. Not only will new vivid windows make your house alive immediately, but they will improve the insulation as well, thus reducing the waste of money and energy.

The exterior of your home needs as much care as the interior. Don’t neglect it, clean it regularly and fix everything that needs fixing. With proper care, your house will not only look breathtaking, but the property value will increase as well.

Ready for Buyers? Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell Fast

June 16, 2016adminReal Estate Tips, Tips to sell your homedecorating, DIY projects, home buyers, home decor, home stagingLeave a comment

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you understand what a large transition this is. You’re preparing to move on to the next phase of your life, and you want to attract a buyer sooner rather than later. In order to stage your home to attract prospects and get the highest return on your investment, here are some tips to follow.

Warm Temperature

You want to ensure your home’s temperature isn’t too hot or too cold. To achieve this, you should allow light to come in through the windows by opening blinds and shades. To further add to this effect, consider the addition of subtle ambient noise. This could happen naturally during the day if birds are chirping outdoors, or you could make the minimal investment in a water feature.

Use Strategy

It’s important to have attractive handouts highlighting the features of the home that really make it stand apart. After your open house is over, you certainly want to leave a potential buyer with a good impression, and referencing back to these photos of your home at its best is a great way to achieve this goal. To ensure visitors receive the handouts, make them easily available by the doorway where they can be picked up before leaving.

Olfactory Consideration

The sense of smell is more powerful than we often give it credit for, and you can use this to your advantage. With scented candles and diffusers, you can create a beautiful ambiance with very little effort. If you’re on a budget, by using Sephora coupons from discountrue.com, you can save on many of the best home scents available. By taking the time to ensure your home features a pleasant aroma, you tap into the powerful senses of potential buyers and help stir up pleasant thoughts and feelings without even being aware it’s happening.

Let it Go

It can be emotionally challenging to watch as strangers consider the purchase of the home you’ve made so many memories in. In order to let go of the emotional attachment, it’s a good idea to remove some of the items in the home that spark memories such as family photos or pictures the kids drew at school.

Following Your Course in Life

There are times in life when change is necessary. Whether you got a new job or need to move in order to accommodate for a growing family, you are likely ready to make the process a smooth one. By following these helpful tips, you can be on your way to finding a buyer and gaining the negotiation power necessary to get the most for your home.

4 Home Improvements that Increase Value

June 8, 2016adminhome improvement, Tips to sell your homeDIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Are you thinking about putting your home on the market this summer? If so, consider making some simple affordable home improvements to enhance your home’s appeal. The following home Improvements will pay for themselves when it comes time to sell.

Siding Replacement

Your home’s exterior is the first thing that potential buyers notice when they view your home. Nothing is more of a turnoff to potential buyers than dirty, weathered siding. Give your home a facelift by replacing your siding. New siding is an affordable upgrade that can dramatically improve the exterior of your home. Exterior upgrades are some of the most valuable home improvements. Therefore, it should be fairly easy to recoup the cost of new siding investment when it comes time to sell.

Replace Your Garage Door

The garage door takes up a significant amount of the facade of your home. If the first thing that potential buyers notice when they pull up to your home or view it online is a poorly maintained or broken garage door, they will likely assume that you have not bothered with upkeep for the rest of your home. A new garage door is a relatively affordable home improvement that can go a long way towards creating a favorable first Impression with potential buyers.

Stable Foundation

If you are selling your home, any major structural issues, such as an unstable or crumbling foundation, will need to be repaired before putting your home on the market. If not addressed, these issues will likely be discovered during your home’s inspection. This will likely derail your closing. Some companies, like T. Luckey Sons, Inc., know that repairing your foundation can help stabilize your entire home. Underpinning can solve this problem by reinforcing or strengthening your existing foundation to make it stable. This process can also be used to lower your basement floor. In addition to providing additional reinforcement, underpinning increases overall ceiling height, adding additional usable living space in your basement. Additional space is always a sought-after amenity.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Repainting walls can make your home appear well-taken care of and brighten almost any room. Choose neutral colors, such as off-white or beige and make sure that you repair any holes in the walls before painting. Make sure that you choose the right finish for your walls. An eggshell finish can hide imperfections. Semi-gloss paint can make walls appear brighter.

If you are selling your home, consider making any of the home improvements reviewed in this article to help you increase the value and appeal of your home.

Inexpensive Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal

April 22, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homeDIY projects, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

A home with curb appeal speaks welcome to guests and passersby alike. There are many ways a homeowner can increase curb appeal on a budget.

Dress up the Porch

From potted flowers to a cute loveseat, adding decorative elements to your front entry increases your home’s curb appeal. Place outdoor pillows on a porch rocker and hang a basket of cascading flowers for instant interest.

Thrift stores can help you add decorative touches inexpensively. A wooden chair from a resale shop is easily brightened with paint for a pop of color. Set an old-fashioned enamel kettle planted with vibrant nasturtium on top of that chair and you have created an attractive setting for the front entrance.

Spruce up the Landscape

Shrubs, bushes and perennial flowers, when arranged in a pleasing layout around the foundation, add greatly to the house’s appeal. If you are handy with a shovel, garden centers offer great selections and helpful sales people who can guide you in picking the right varieties for your space. It helps to lay out your plants where you want them, still in their pots, and step back to the curb to survey the effect. Remember to plan for the full grown size of the plants when you place them in their new location.

Update Your Lighting

Replace tarnished, weathered or unattractive lighting fixtures on the house. Choose a style and finish that complements the features of your home. Don’t forget lighting in the yard. Landscape lighting comes in many styles and prices and makes an easy project that boosts curb appeal. Besides lighting pathways and entryways, consider adding individual spotlights that will highlight attractive features such as a specimen tree or the front doorway. When arranged well, lighting draws people toward your home.

Replace Old Windows

Few things will improve the appearance of a home as dramatically as updating old windows. Window specialists, like those at Fas Windows and Doors, can provide you with high quality, energy-efficient windows to replace your old ones. These will not only improve your home’s facade, they can lower your energy bills by preventing heat and air conditioning loss. Options range from a focal point window like a bay, to a set of sidelights beside the entry door, to a whole house update. Consider which styles and features will best enhance the curb appeal of your home. New windows beautify the home inside and out, while improving comfort and energy savings.

With some imagination and planning, there are inexpensive ways to increase curb appeal. Spend a few minutes at your curb envisioning different options that will work for your home and budget.

6 Important Features Home Buyers Are Looking For Today

January 2, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips for homebuyers, Tips to sell your homehome improvement, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Homeowners who want to list their property often want to avoid having their home on the market for an extended period of time. This makes it important to sell a property that is in demand with certain features that are available. Before making necessary changes on the home, it’s important to be aware of important features that home buyers are looking for.

1. Home Office

More people are telecommuting and working from home, which makes it important to have a home office that is available. Home offices have a high level of appeal for a space that is closed off from the rest of the home. Not only do potential buyers want a home office where they can work, but they also need a space to pay bills and store important documents.

2. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficient homes are currently in demand due to more buyers who want to reduce their global footprint with their home. Energy efficient homes are known to cost less throughout the year with the use of the HVAC system and other technology on the property. This can be achieved by installing new insulation, using solar panels on the roof, and having a solar reflective roof. There should also be Energy Star-rated appliances and Energy Star-rated windows on the property.

3. Open Floor Plans

Spaces that are closed off and confined are no longer in demand. More buyers want to live in a property that is spacious and is easy to entertain in, like those built by these Utah home builders. The kitchen should be connected to the living room and include a seating area where guests can enjoy spending time in the room. This makes it easy for the host to maintain conversation as they cook and serve food. Additionally, the space should flow and be easy to navigate.

4. Larger Garages

It’s important to increase the size of the garage if possible, as more buyers are looking to store more than one vehicle in the space. Three-car garages are a popular feature that is often sought out for a spacious area that can store tools, personal belongings, cars, and sporting equipment without feeling cramped.

5. Fireplaces

Fireplaces are a feature that is currently making a comeback on residential properties for a cozy addition that livens up a living room or bedroom. More people are spending less time watching television and instead are now more entertained with laptops, e-readers, and tablets. 40 percent of buyers are willing to pay more for this feature, making it important to have at least one fireplace on the property to allow the home to stand out with what it offers. Outdoor fireplaces in the backyard are also popular and make for a space where the homeowners can entertain their guests while spending time outdoors.

6. Updated Kitchen and Bath

Kitchens and baths that appear outdated or dingy will likely cause the home to sit on the market longer. Homeowners aren’t looking to remodel after moving in, making it important to install new appliances, add decorative backsplashes, and paint the cabinetry. You can also install new countertops or add a kitchen island to increase the functionality of each room.

Although it’s important to update your home and enhance the curb appeal of the property, there are several features that should be added to allow it to sell quickly. The features will catch the attention of buyers and make for a home that can be more functional in the coming years. This will not only allow the home to sell quickly, but can also increase the value of the property.

Simple Ways You Can Enhance Your Home’s Value And Comfort

December 22, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homeDIY projects, home improvement, home remodelingLeave a comment

Enhancing your home’s value and your own comfort doesn’t have to involve extensive, expensive renovations. There are some simple ways you can boost your home’s value.

New coat of paint

One of the most inexpensive ways to improve your home’s value is with paint. Changing colors of a room to something more neutral can make it easier to sell your home and usually can be done for cheap compared to other upgrades. A new coat of paint also can enhance your comfort by making a dingy room livelier.

Spruce up your landscaping

Before people get to your front door, they will form a first impression based on what they see outside, and if they see a brown lawn, dead shrubs and untrimmed trees, it won’t be a good one. Studies show that what potential buyers want most in landscaping is trees, native plants and outdoor lighting. Taking the time to invest in those items will increase your value without breaking the bank.

New fixtures

Something as small and simple as a few new fixtures can greatly enhance your home’s comfort and value. If you have old light fixtures that don’t go with the home, swapping them out for new ones can make a big difference. The same goes for faucets.

A new door

Your front door is one of the first things visitors and potential buyers see, so if it is in bad shape, it can leave a poor first impression that can be hard to shake. If your entry door is in poor shape or is out of character from the rest of the house, replacing it can add value. You can find a variety of styles and materials at Arch Design.

Cabinet hardware

Changing or adding cabinet hardware may not sound like it would make much of a difference, but such a small thing can greatly enhance the look of your kitchen, which enhances value. And it’s something you can do yourself that won’t cost more than a few hundred dollars.

Carpet cleaning

If your carpet has been around awhile, it’s probably showing its age, so having it cleaned can make a big difference. Carpet cleaning only costs a few hundred dollars and can considerably enhance your home’s value and comfort.

These are just a few of the small things you can do to make your home more enjoyable and worth more in the eyes of potential buyers.

5 Ways to Help Your Home Go from “For Sale” to “Sold”

December 11, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homedecorating, DIY projects, home improvement, real estateLeave a comment

Sometimes houses go on the market and just sit there. This can be extremely frustrating for the seller. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Below are a few different tips you can use to help your home move off the market quicker.

1. Make Your Landscaping a Priority

While it may not seem like something that’s very important, the quality of your landscaping upkeep can be a big determinant in how fast your home moves off the market. A buyer’s first impression of a home is what usually determines whether or not it’s sold. This is going to certainly include the lawn and landscaping.

2. Consider Renting

If the housing market is slow in your area, it may be a good idea to put off selling the property for a time and rent it out to tenants instead. While being a landlord may seem intimidating at first, it is not as difficult as you would first imagine. Consider obtaining property management software from a company like Rentec Direct to help you manage tenants.

3. Move Out

Unoccupied homes sell faster than ones that are occupied. It’s easy to understand why. Potential buyers have an easier job of imagining their own furniture and belongings in rooms that are not already filled with other people’s stuff. If you can’t move out, at least make an attempt to make the house look as unlived in as possible.

4. Redo Your Walls and Carpets

Walls and carpet do not look new forever. After a certain period of time, walls fade and carpet wears out. Don’t be afraid to invest a little bit of money to repaint your walls and re-carpet your floors. It can give your home a “new” look that will allow it to move off the market faster.

5. Create a Video

While you can simply include photos of your home with online listings, another possibility is video. However, don’t just attach any shaky video to the listings. Try to create a very professional looking walk through video of each room that gives a very flattering impression. Home shoppers will see it and get a much better idea of what to expect inside. You may end up flooded with offers.

Overall, selling a home takes time. However, you shouldn’t be forced to wait forever. If things are moving too slowly, use some of the tips above as well as other strategies for grabbing the attention of buyers. You’re likely to sell your home much faster.

Great Additions to Up the Sale Price of Your House

October 1, 2015adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homebathroom remodeling, DIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, home repairs, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

When it comes to selling your house, you want to get as much out of the sales price as you can, but it isn’t always easy. In many neighborhoods, you have stiff competition, and buyers are always looking to get the most house for their money. You have to do everything you can to make your house stand out and up the sale price. One way you can do that is by making a few new additions to your home, or at least refreshing some of the existing spaces. Keep in mind that not all additions are worth the same amount, so stick with these upgrades, and you’ll eventually really see that sales price climb.

A New Kitchen
A kitchen renovation is one of the home upgrades you’ll see the most return on. Investing anywhere from $300 to $5,000 should get you a return of anywhere from 3 to 7 percent. If yout budget allows, consider renovating your outdated kitchen to add even more value to your home. Alternatively, focus on fixing the things that will jump out to buyers: a faucet that leaks, the burnt countertop, etc. Also, keep in mind that new or at least matching appliances are a huge incentive to buyers, so consider replacing your outdated ones or at least order new faces or fronts to make them all match.

An Extra Bath
Next to the kitchen, the bathrooms are the next priority for most buyers so another great way to raise the price on your home is to add an extra bath. If there isn’t space for a completely new bathroom, then simply focus on updating the existing spaces. Even simple fixes like caulking the tub and re-grouting the tile can make a huge difference in enticing buyers. Consider replacing the vanity and countertop, put a new coat of paint on the walls and you can really blow interested buyers away without too hefty of an investment. This fix should earn you roughly 2 to 3 percent more on your sales price.

Landscaping
Curb appeal is an important selling factor so be sure to invest some of your budget here. Well-designed landscaping can turn a tired, drab, cookie cutter home into a real knockout, which will both attract more buyers and increase your sales price. Be sure to replace old bushes and add some color. Stand-alone plants are great, but you can also make great impact with flower beds and potted plants.

Install a Security System
Safety and security are also important to buyers, so keep this in mind as you list your home. For most buyers today, a preexisting security system is a real incentive. So consider options that are comprehensive but still affordable, like the systems available from Northstar Home Security. A security system requires very little investment on your part but goes a long way toward making a new homeowner feel safe and comfortable in a new place.

New Light and Plumbing Fixtures
Dated light and plumbing fixtures is a sure way to sink the sales price of your home, so take some time and money to update these treatments. It may not seem like a huge deal to you, but outdated gold fixtures, or worse, rusted fixtures are a real deterrent to buyers. Plus, this update won’t cost you an arm and a leg to complete.

The final sales price on a home is a fine balance between striking a good deal for both the buyer and the seller. However, one of the best ways to guarantee that you get the most out of your home is to make a few additions that carry a high value for prospective buyers. Use this list to guide you as you update your home in preparation to sell, and you’ll be sure to get top dollar for your house.

Curb Appeal Basics: How To Make Your Home Stand Out In The Neighborhood

September 29, 2015adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homecurb appeal, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

A visually appealing entryway will draw people to your home. If you are trying to sell it, an attractive approach will go a long way toward making potential buyers want to see more. Here are some things you can do to make your home stand out:

Decorate with nature for texture and interest

An odd number of container plants in a staggered arrangement of different colors and sizes add texture and interest in warmer weather. In cooler seasons use fall arrangements of gourds, pumpkins, and Indian corn. During the winter holidays, small lighted evergreens or tasteful seasonal art serve the same function. Keep it simple, though. Stop short of visual clutter.

Light their way to the door

Not everyone sees your home for the first time in daylight. Add safety and interest by lighting your walkway. An electrician can install lights along your sidewalk or you can choose one of the many solar-powered types. Whatever you use, make sure all the lights are well-anchored.

Make your door fresh and inviting

Your front door can signal “Welcome” or “Do I have to open the door?” Add a fresh coat of paint in an unexpected color. A coordinated wreath is a good accent. While you’re updating, new hardware and lights may be in order. Use brushed nickel for more modern homes and oiled brass for traditional styles. If your garage door faces the road, as many do, install a new one. If you have a dented or unattractive garage door, consider having professionals help you install a new one that fits the style of your house, say the experts at DSI Door Services North Shore.

Check out your driveway and sidewalks

Your lovely new garage door will not look as inviting approached by a cracked, uneven driveway. Call a well-recommended professional for repair. Consider enhancing your sidewalk with stone pavers, slate or brick to complement your house style.

Update the front with shutters, trim, or stone

Shutters frame small windows, making them seem larger. They also add visual interest to the front of the house. Bold trim can frame design elements leading to a craftsman effect. Stone is expensive but makes a house look substantial and permanent. Consider using stone veneer in a small area, like the house or porch foundation.

Improve your driveway entrance

Add stone veneer planters or half-walls at the beginning of your driveway. Fence sections in white or a natural color is another good choice. Whichever element you use, let it frame low shrubs, preferably evergreen, decorative grasses, or a perennial flower collection. Add your house number here.

Step back from your home as you add elements. These tips can help you create an appealing home in no time.

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